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Date Posted: 12:35:34 05/02/07 Wed
Author: Priscila
Subject: Task two

The influences of American culture in Brazilian learner’s of English

Since the rise of capitalism and the beginning of globalization, English language has played an important role in modern days society. Therefore lots of countries have been involved in the process of learning and teaching English around the world. This can be observed in Brazil, a third world country where most of the population study or at least studied English. It has been stated that Brazilian speakers of English learn American English, and that North American culture influences strongly in Brazilians’ process of learning. There are several ways to influence in a learner’s process of acquisition of a foreign language, such as economic status, geographic position and media.
Firstly it is well – known that The United States is the most powerful country concerning economy since World War II. The United States rule the economy of the world, controlling financial transactions in the stock market, selling the cheapest products and building factories in many undeveloped countries paying low tax-rates. In addition the hugest symbols of capitalism were created there and are now widespread around the world. Mac Donald’s and Coke are famous and can be found everywhere. So it is easy to perceive why business are dealt in English and why American English expressions are popular among companies, interpreters and translations around the world, including Brazil.
Secondly, not only Brazil and The United States are situated in the same continent but also considering that one of a learner’s of English biggest motivation is to be able to speak with native speakers and to have some experience in an English speaking country, The U.S. is closer, cheaper and easier. That is why Brazilians are immersed in a huge amount of information about The United States and its country.
Thirdly it is impossible to analyze American culture influences in Brazil without taking media into account. It is the fattest and the most efficient way to know about something one does not have access to. Media has brought American songs, movies and way of life straight to people’s home through television channels, radio stations and internet websites. Throughout the years media has turned regular people into icons of pop culture. It not only shows American culture to Brazil but also make Brazilians worship American values. That is how artists like Madonna and Michael Jackson became legend, skinny models became fashion and English became a necessity.
It is obvious that the influences of American culture in Brazil have advantages and disadvantages. Although certain diseases originated from behavior such as anorexia and obesity have become trends, Brazilian professionals in English language ought to show their students that if they cannot escape from American intervention, they should use it for their own good. There are features of language which are almost impossible to explain and the best way to acquire them is to be exposed to real data. And this data is simple to reach when one has economy, geography and media on his/her side.

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